What's new for St Joseph and St Mary Parishes!

Be Bold, Be Catholic 2

Be Bold, Be Catholic has already made a difference here in our parishes. It was the decision of Be Bold, Be Catholic that we have cards in the pews with the responses of the people. In mid-January we plan on taking a very short survey to find out more of what we can do. We are also excited to let the Sleezer Home use the gym at the Holy Family Community Center. It is a great way to witness to the neighborhood and these girls who will use the gym.

Starting this weekend, we will be playing an audio recording of a parishioner giving a short witness talk about their faith or a recording of Ken Yasinski giving short inspirational talks. What a great way to get to know your neighbor and the good things that are happening in people’s faith around us. The recordings will typically be about one minute long, but no longer than two minutes. We will play them before Mass, but after the announcements. We will also look at other ways in which a person can share their stories.

You may even have a story to tell about when Jesus was there for you, or when He made a big difference in your life. Let us know of your story. Sharing your faith is like sharing your lighted candle. If someone lights their candle off of yours, you do not lose your light. Rather, the room gets brighter. If your light goes out, then the person whose candle you lit can return the favor and light your candle of faith. Then more can join in and it becomes a community of faith. You help each other get to heaven and grow in holiness and grace for each other.

Imagine having friends in faith that cheer you on in faith when you are down and rejoices with you when things are well. Friends in faith are there with you throughout your life. This is why Jesus gave you St Mary and St Joseph parishes. We are here as a community of support. We are a community of sinners for sinners. We hope that you are willing to join us on the journey through life. It is a journey of many trials such as life offers. But it is not a journey alone. It is a journey with the ones God gave us. You are most welcome to join us.

We are two Catholic Churches close to downtown Freeport, IL. Our communities are over 150 years old and have been dedicated to our lord Jesus Christ since our inception.
We believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was concieved by the Holy Spirit, born of ythe Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilot, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.